Unfortunately, the opportunity for California's students to benefit from this kind of education has been steadily diminishing as ITE programs across the state have been reduced or eliminated. At a time when our state's economic prosperity depends on a workforce capable of dealing with highly sophisticated and rapidly changing technology, we cannot afford to allow the decline of ITE to continue. We must devote the time and money necessary to attract and prepare qualified teachers to strengthen existing ITE programs and establish new ones, and to expand technology laboratories in our middle schools and high schools.

Industrial and Technology Education builds on sound educational theory and practice. It is both a methodology and a body of knowledge. Rather than eliminating ITE programs, we need to capitalize on the demonstrated effectiveness of this approach, update its focus, and maximize the potential of Industrial and Technology Education to prepare students with diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and career goals for a successful future.

With that objective in mind, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin convened a Task Force on Industrial and Technology Education in 1998. She directed the task force to evaluate the role, scope, and delivery of Industrial and Technology Education in the state, and to develop recommendations for systemic, sustained changes based on its evaluation. The task force began meeting in May of 1998 and presented a preliminary report and five recommendations in the fall of 1999. Members of the task force, listed on pages 43-45, included educators, business and industry representatives, and staff of the California Department of Education.

In May 2000, the Industrial and Technology Tech Prep Resource Project at State Center Consortium was directed to convene an editorial review board to evaluate and update the preliminary report. This board, whose members are listed on page 46, included four members of the original task force as well as other educators, administrators, and school board representatives from across the state.